Activity gives students insight beyond a shadow of a doubt

Observer Staff

11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM

Looking at education from a new angle gave four Saginaw Chippewa Academy middle school students the opportunity to learn the benefits of seeking higher education.

Mikayla Jackson, Sam Mitchell, Alex Grice, and Amanda Bennett were recently selected to job shadow Education Director Angeline Matson for a day.

"I wanted our students to be able to see what the education director does," explained Matson. "I think I have the greatest job in the world and I wanted students to see how exciting a job in Tribal administration is. Plus, I won't be here forever. Mikayla is already saying she is going to be the education director someday."

On a set date, two SCA students are selected to be the director's "shadow" and attend meetings along with Matson. Each class decides how to select the students. John Shelton's class drew names out of a hat, selecting Mikayla and Sam. Beatrice Jackson's class voted after hearing speeches from interested students and elected Alex and Amanda.

Mikayla and Sam's day-Sept. 4-included giving Senator Mike Bishop a tour of the SCA, having lunch with Tribal Council member Beaver Pelcher and attending the Office Depot vendors show in the Tribal Gymnasium.

"Picking up office supplies and treats was my fun part of the day," wrote Mikayla in a required one-page report about her experience, which she shared with classmates.

Alex and Amanda had an unusual day Sept. 11. They made two trips to the airport to pick up speakers and went to Clare to pick up 200 boxes of fudge for the conference gift bags.

"We went to pick up Ernie Stevens at the airport in Midland," wrote Alex.

Amanda adds, "He is chairperson of the National Indian Gaming Association and works in Washington, D.C."

Stevens was the keynote speaker at the Culture & Curriculum Conference Sept. 12. Amanda chose to shadow Angeline for an additional day to attend the conference since school was closed for the day.

"It was cool because I got to get pictures with him and that was awesome," she said.

"My hope is that students see being a director is exciting," said Matson. "Every day is different and you get to meet so many interesting people. There are always fun projects to work on and you are doing important work for your community."

Alex agreed, "I think it would be fun to be a director, but my goal is to be on Tribal Council."